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Eventually making your to The Docks and the scents and sounds are somewhat less pleasant than the rest of the city. It is a bustling area where longshoremen constantly load and unload cargo destined for Absalom's markets and elsewhere. The district itself appears a rather rough place, and the ubiquitous Harbor Guard seems to keep an uneasy peace as they patrol, not paying too close attention to the goings on around them, only really acting as a deterrent ‘to the worst of it’ On On the street corners and darkened doorways of the run down businesses and sailors dives, young touts announce the services of all manner of businesses, not many of them sounding like the sort of wares or establishments you’d find in the upmarket areas; the names of the various taverns and inns involving at least a double entendre or some grim sounding fate and a mythical creature, with the names of the brothels even more lurid and suggestive.
The Pickled Imp is a rather typical run down Docklands premises, easily missed amongst the many dubious and shady looking enterprises around it. This creepy shop contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup.
The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter: “Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.” Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customer are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again. “Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases”
His eyes dart between you all, but before anyone can ask questions, he continues as though everything is agreed “There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway. “My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me.”
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Grimaldus eyes the creature collection with mild interest, especially the namesake of the establishment. He listens attentively to Karela, and asks, "Have you made any other attempts to retrieve your items? Maybe by asking the Harbor Guards to retrieve your item? Or are they meant to be kept hidden? Also, can you reveal to us the nature of the books and papers you wish returned? Is there anything we should know about the items or the crates they are in? We would not like to accidentally damage the items out of ignorance."
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Tikrit winks at Karela. "I know the service you offer the Society is essential, so I don't mind doing a favor for those who work on our behalf where the Pathfinders are viewed as grave robbers or as rivals." he says. "How do we get to this warehouse? And are there any protections the building possesses that we need to know about?"
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"Have you made any other attempts to retrieve your items? ... is there anything we should know about the items or the crates they are in? We would not like to accidentally damage the items out of ignorance."
" If you have legal claim to this shipment why not bring your concerns to the city guard instead and have them retrieve it for you instead of resorting to all this skullduggery?"
"there seem to be something fishy going on here... but if you will ensure that nothing illegal is going on here i'll assist you in this quest..."
He looks to Aegon, Grimaldus, and Mandrak with a knowing and understanding expression, "Look there is paperwork, but we don't have it all right now, and with Master Gelbane being so hard to reach, especially without drawing too many unwanted enquiries, well it would probably be best all around if the items that were ours were simply taken quietly and discretely rather than have all the lengthy and unwanted delays of chasing up the 'proper channels', you know how these things are, so slow and prone to unforseen delays at the hands of the Harbor Guard...we could be waiting a long time, and who knows what tax or levy they might 'invent'...so unnecessary..." his expression is now set on reassurance.
"The crate itself should just be a typical crate and made o take knocks and hits a normal shipping crate might take, however the crate within is probably a little more delicate, and the contents... well paper has it's own limitations and vulnerabilities. Don't go about setting fire to things or pouring water on them"
"How do we get to this warehouse? And are there any protections the building possesses that we need to know about?"
"Head down to the Docks and get to the waterside. The one you want is the Seaspray, look for its natty little post at the piers out to the Pelicans"
"There shouldn't be any Magical means of protection nor extravagant expenses spent on more than basic locks and the like for a warehouse full of beer and nails, however, of course, anything that might be of significant interest might warrant such a caution, though I would suggest such an artifact would stand out rather clearly in there...are any of you skilled at working with such measures?"
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"Head down to the Docks and get to the waterside. The one you want is the Seaspray, look for its natty little post at the piers out to the Pelicans"
"There shouldn't be any Magical means of protection nor extravagant expenses spent on more than basic locks and the like for a warehouse full of beer and nails, however, of course, anything that might be of significant interest might warrant such a caution, though I would suggest such an artifact would stand out rather clearly in there...are any of you skilled at working with such measures?"
"Indeed, sir. I understand the need for discretion, as well. Do you suppose there will be any guard or patrol?
Sense motive just for kicks:
Edit: Kishara will also remove the original note from the Pathfinders from her pocket.
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In a low voice for the rest of the party, "If the Society sent us here to retrieve the item, then it must be sanctioned. This must be a test of our, how shall we say, 'discretion'...Kishara - as our most 'discrete' party member, what do you suggest? Night-time tactical insertion for a snatch-and-grab, with a scout-sniper team providing overwatch?"
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As Kishara makes her enquiry, Guaril turns from Tikrit to answer the question, "I shouldn't expect any no, you see it's all a bit derelict down there, the warehouses are mostly in poor repair and this one is no exception. With Gelbane not being about to pay a guard, and the Harbor Guard being stretched as they are, no one would really have an interest in guarding the place really... of course, there are always patrols, so do try be a little subtle" He smiles again, teeth flashing with a salesmans comforting warmth.
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Kishara chuckles lightly at Grimaldus' diplomatic description of her skills, but as she opens her mouth to speak, Aegon says,
"Can we at least talk to the harbor master first before we resort to thievery?"
Kishara stiffens visibly at the halfling's words and instead steps quickly to his side, placing a hand on his shoulder and saying low but not precisely whispering, "Be careful not to offend friends of the Society, Master Aegon. Remember Ambrus Valsin said our loyalties would be tested today. Do yours lie with the Harbor Master?" she cocks her head and raises an eyebrow at the young paladin.
She then turns back to Karela, "I expect we'll return soon, Master Karela. Hopefully with good news, yes?" and nods her head to their host before turning toward the door. She speaks to the group "Let's see what we can see first before we decide our actions, yes?" and hesitates near the exit waiting for them to join her.
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I let myself be lead out of the shop.
When we're outside:
"I'm not opposed to acting against the city guard if they are truly being corrupt and holding this man's shipment while waiting for a bribe or some such, but this task we've been assigned is entirely too suspicious for my tastes. What evidence do we have this shipment even belongs to Karela besides his word? Or the shipment could be connected to the investigation against this Gelbane and Karela is trying to get it out of the warehouse before the guard discovers it. The state of the man's shop leads me to believe he is not above duplicity and it would certainly injure the reputation of the Pathfinders if they were to be connected to crime, surely Venture Captain Valsin will understand that. I would feel much more comfortable if we did some investigation into the reasons the warehouse has been locked down, or at least spoke with Captain Valsin to discover if the Pathfinder Society supports theft as it does not seem to me that they knew precisely what our task was to be for Karela."
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Kishara glances around for anyone who might be listening to their conversation.
Kishara smiles knowingly at the halfling's impassioned speech. "Come now, my idealistic friend! Surely you understand that even the Pathfinders occasionally must place the ends above the means..." she trails off seeming to give up on the argument before it is even begun.
She considers for a moment, tapping her lips with the forefinger of her right hand. "Maybe you should consult with Valsin again. Certainly before we begin an investigation that might risk breaking an alliance with a friend of the Society. We took some time dealing with the Baltwin woman, perhaps you could attend to the Paracountess as well and we could be done with our tasks even faster, yes?"
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"Are you suggesting we split our forces? Or are you going to scout out the warehaouse while Aegon confirms our orders with HQ? Doctrine dictates maintaining tactical superiority through the concentrated application of force, unless there is a clear operational advantage to be gained by splitting forces."
"However, I will support the group's decision. How do you propose dividing the squad?"
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"I'm not one to tell others how they must go about their business, no? To my mind our orders are clear, and I will proceed to scout the warehouse in question. I did not think it wise to cast aspersions on Master Karela, though and I won't investigate him without Valsin's say. So go and seek out reassurances if you need them." Kishara smiles wryly at Grimaldus. She then searches behind him for Tikrit.
"Perhaps my fine feathered friend will join me, yes?" she grins brightly at the Tengu. "Dragons are excellent backup, you know." She says fondly as she gives him a quick wink.
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"Whether or not you have a moral quandary with the mission itself surely you can agree there's nothing wrong with a little caution? I promise you all that if I get the reassurances I need from Captain Valsin I will assist with the mission with all the means I have at my disposal, I simply wish to make sure this Karela character isn't trying to take advantage of us or the Society, his story doesn't seem to add up."
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"Well it's nighttime. If somebody can go visit them and be granted an audience without prior notice then do so. It's dark, surely that is an advantage if we wanted to sneak in instead of doing it in broad daylight. Who know's we might even catch the man that Karela says is snooping around the warehouse, he might even throw around something if this person is worth something."
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"I agree with Aegon - this Karela makes my skin feel diseased. I also appreciate the value of darkness and rapid, decisive action to retrieve the items. So I propose the following compromise to the group: We observe the warehouse, and if the opportunity presents itself retrieve the items quickly and quietly. Then, we report to Captain Valsin in the morning (with the chest if we have it), voice our concerns, and request his direction. This should uphold the integrity of the Society while allowing us to gather additional information and/or take decisive action in retrieving the items."
"Aegon - is this acceptable?
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Kishara's brow furrows as her companions talk themselves into coming along for the ride after all.
'Hmmm, not sure I understand this reasoning... We'll go and commit a maybe crime and then present ourselves to Valsin just in case it was a crime? And then possibly commit the crime again to return the potentially pilfered goods?'
She puts her hand up to her temples and massages briefly before speaking. "So we're settled then, yes?" She gives them a rather exasperated look before setting off silently for the warehouse with her eyes and ears open looking for patrols and any followers.
Perception
Stealth
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Whilst taking your time to make a sensible approach you manage to learn more about ‘Pelicans’, or ‘pelican warehouses’. These buildings perch at the end of piers, allowing a ship to load and unload farther out from the busier docks. Many of them either accommodate smaller vessels that are in a hurry or larger ships unable to find an open dock. Rare these days, most pelican warehouses lie in disrepair, withered from storms and salt, and every year it seems another one falls into the harbor.
It is further revealed that an increased tax on this type of property keeps many of the owners from rebuilding and some have even relinquished the titles to their small warehouses, allowing them to fall into the hands of squatters and smugglers—or into the bay itself. He further explains that smugglers sometimes use small boats to slip under the warehouse, sawing a hole in the floor or prying boards in the night, and sneaking in to loot the place or just drop a crate into their boat from above and paddle away in the night.
The pier this pelican warehouse sits on stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, and stands 15 feet above the water. The planks on the pier are sturdy but weathered. A few local fishermen and some kids sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below; the warehouse itself appears to struggle against its own roof, threatening to sag into the bay with the next stiff wind or heavy squall. No light shines from the building’s windows and only the movement of gulls and pelicans stirs the scene.
Closer inspection reveals that the building looks abandoned and in disrepair. The windows are dark and dirty and provide no view into the structure’s interior. A small boat bobs in the water below, tethered to the pier by a stout, salt-crusted rope. The warehouse’s entrance is a heavy wooden front door, and the loading door facing the water skirted by a rather small ledge. There appear to be no signs of any guardsmen or the like, your only company the casual fishermen and children who seem to pay no attention whatsoever to your comings and goings.
There is a faint and satisfying click as the tumblers fall and the lock opens...
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With everyone understanding her signal, Kishara opens the door quietly, revealing darkness beyond. She pauses to light a candle before stepping beyond the threshold.
Just inside the door sits a handful of crates and kegs of beer. Most of these smaller crates and barrels appear to be marked as foodstuffs and appear to be in various states of freshness. Some crates reek of rot, easily noticed from the doorway. Stacks of simple coffins sit against the east wall. The rest of the crates stacked along the north wall contains simple sundries including, but not limited to beer, blocks of clay, coffee, coils of rope, dried fish, lead ingots,nails, nets, raw cotton, rough wool, spare sails, timber planks, various pulleys and tools, and cheap weapons.
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Kishara wrinkles her nose at the potpourri of odors in the derelict warehouse and wonders to herself 'Ugh... a stench like that may draw any number of pests.' She motions for Tikrit to join her as she pulls her rapier and continues to investigate the warehouse keeping an eye out for anything resembling Karela's mark or anything stirring in the darkness.
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"Let me help you with the lighting. I figured you might want to use both of your hands since we don't know if this place is trapped or something. Yhen pulls out her dagger and after reciting a few incantations, she casts light on her dagger.
"Now this could be dangerous for you, so go ahead and accompany Aegon on the watch for enemies outside," she commands her little raptor.
Perception:
[ooc]Yhen will position herself on E-3
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Grimaldus enters the warehouse, looks around, and pulls his greatsword off his back and rests it easily on his shoulder. "Plenty of space to operate - finally!" He will follow Kishara and Tikrit in, looking for movement or traps, since Aegon his the rear-guard. He will keep his back to light of Yhen's dagger and attempt to stay within aabout 10 feet of the everyone else.